Yet, in the shadow of that seismic departure, Karim Benzema
quietly emerged as the unlikeliest of heroes. Mocked by critics, trolled by
fans, and dismissed as a mere supporting act during Ronaldo's reign, Benzema
has since redefined himself as the centrepiece of Real Madrid’s post-Ronaldo
era.
A Moment of Magic:
Real Madrid’s Carnival of Football
In a match that epitomized the artistry of Zinedine Zidane’s
Real Madrid, Benzema delivered a moment of pure genius that will be etched in
memory. Just before halftime, Marcelo swept a pinpoint crossfield ball to
Sergio Ramos, who had ventured into a centre-forward position. Ramos, ever the
opportunist, flicked the ball to Benzema. What followed was an act of audacious
brilliance—a back-heeled nutmeg to Casemiro, who surged into the box and rifled
the ball home.
The goal wasn’t merely a piece of individual skill; it was
the culmination of a team move that showcased Real Madrid at their fluid best.
It encapsulated Zidane’s philosophy—grace under pressure, creativity in tight
spaces, and unwavering trust in the collective.
The Post-Ronaldo Transition:
Chaos and Resilience
Real Madrid’s 2018-19 season was a tumultuous affair. Julen
Lopetegui’s tenure was short-lived, undone by poor results and a lack of
cohesion. Santiago Solari’s reign ended in heartbreak, with Ajax delivering a
humiliating defeat at the Bernabéu. Florentino Pérez turned to Zidane, hoping
the Frenchman could restore order to the chaos.
Amid the turmoil, Benzema stood as a beacon of consistency.
While the team struggled to find its identity, the French striker shouldered
the burden of leadership, scoring crucial goals and delivering decisive
performances. His tally of 52 goals in 93 matches since Ronaldo’s departure
speaks volumes about his transformation from a perceived liability to an
indispensable asset.
The Evolution of
Benzema: From Supporting Act to Leading Man
For years, Benzema was overshadowed by Ronaldo’s brilliance.
His role was often reduced to that of a facilitator, a selfless striker whose
primary job was to create space and opportunities for his more illustrious
teammate. Critics labelled him as inconsistent, wasteful, and unworthy of the
Real Madrid shirt.
But Ronaldo’s departure forced Benzema into the spotlight,
and he embraced the challenge with remarkable poise. No longer the second
fiddle, he evolved into a complete forward—a scorer, creator, and leader.
Benzema’s contributions extend far beyond his goal tally.
His ability to drop deep and link up play has been pivotal to Real Madrid’s
attacking fluidity. His vision and technical prowess have produced over 20
assists in the post-Ronaldo era. And his defensive work rate, often overlooked,
underscores his commitment to the team’s cause.
The Zidane Effect: A
Perfect Synergy
Under Zidane, Benzema has flourished. The manager’s faith in
the French striker has been unwavering, and Benzema has repaid that trust with
performances that defy expectations. Zidane’s tactical setup, which emphasizes
fluidity and positional interchange, has allowed Benzema to thrive as both a
playmaker and a finisher.
Zidane himself acknowledged Benzema’s brilliance after the
match against Espanyol, saying, “Nothing Karim does surprises me. He is a
player who can invent things on the pitch. The control, the back-heel, and the
pass were all amazing. It might be one of the best pieces of play for the whole
season.”
A Season of
Redemption
Since the resumption of La Liga following the COVID-19
break, Benzema has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s pursuit of the title. His
interplay with Eden Hazard led to the breakthrough goal against Eibar. His
brace against Valencia showcased his clinical finishing. And his game-winning
strike against Real Sociedad demonstrated his ability to deliver in
high-pressure situations.
The assist to Casemiro, however, was the pièce de
résistance—a moment that epitomized Benzema’s artistry and selflessness.
The Legacy of
Benzema
Benzema’s journey from the shadows of Ronaldo to the
forefront of Real Madrid’s success is a testament to his resilience,
adaptability, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He has silenced his
detractors with performances that combine skill, intelligence, and heart.
In an era where football is often reduced to numbers and
statistics, Benzema reminds us of the beauty of the game—the subtle touches,
the intricate passes, and the moments of magic that leave us in awe.
As Real Madrid march toward another potential La Liga title, they do so with Benzema leading the charge. He is not merely a replacement for Ronaldo; he is a player who has carved out his own legacy, one that will be remembered as the Benzema Revolution.
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